Minister for Indigenous Australians
The Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers responsible for Indigenous Affairs met via videoconference this week (Tuesday 9 September) to discuss key priorities and strategies to improve outcomes for First Nations people and communities.
In reaffirming their commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement), Ministers emphasised the importance of working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
Minister McCarthy provided an outline of the changes to the Commonwealth's October 2025 Supplementary Budget Estimates program. The changes will allow Closing the Gap to be considered across the week of estimates, in recognition that Closing the Gap is a shared responsibility across portfolios.
Consideration was given to the Closing the Gap Independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led Review, with Ministers acknowledging the critical role of First Nations leadership in driving accountability and progress under the National Agreement.
Ministers discussed youth justice and Minister McCarthy provided feedback on her attendance at the Standing Council of Attorneys-General meeting in August. Ministers acknowledged the need for increased action to reduce the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the criminal justice system.
An update on the First Nations Economic Development and Productivity Roundtables was provided, and Ministers agreed to support initiatives that foster economic empowerment and participation.
Ministers also received an update on food security in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated action to improve access to affordable, nutritious food.
Updates on truth-telling and treaty processes across jurisdictions were shared regarding efforts to promote healing, recognition, and reconciliation.
Ministers acknowledged the historic occasion in Victoria with the Statewide Treaty Bill being introduced to parliament. Minister Hutchins provided an update on the Bill and highlighted that the First Peoples Assembly and the Victorian Government see the Victorian Treaty as the pathway for the state to achieve its Closing the Gap commitments.
Ministers acknowledged the work of Ms Jody Broun, who stepped down from her role as CEO of the National Indigenous Australians Agency on Friday 29 August.
Ministers agreed to report back outcomes of this meeting to the next meeting of the Joint Council on Closing the Gap.
